“We are proud to introduce our next generation of network connected in-dash receivers, bridging the gap between smartphone tethered products like AppRadio and traditional multimedia products like navigation and DVD receivers,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “By leveraging the connectivity of the smartphone, we are able to augment and update many of the built-in features with dynamic cloud based content.”

Pioneer’s AppRadio Mode provides both iPhone and Android users the ability to access and control dozens of apps directly from the navigation receiver’s large touchscreen display when connected to iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s or a compatible Android smartphone. Additional features for convenience and control incorporated in all five NEX models include:

· AVICSYNC Networked Navigation(AVIC models)

Pioneer’s full featured navigation-enabled NEX receivers offer the latest mapping and turn-by-turn information and utilize the new AVICSYNC to further expand their capabilities. With AVICSYNC2 and a connected smartphone, users can access connected services that include traffic, local search, weather, gas prices and more, with key information/icons overlaid on the existing map screen information (subscription(s) required). With the AVICSYNC feature, users have up-to-date and current information offering the benefits of the Latest Map Guarantee (LMG), where map data that becomes available within 90 days of the first use is updated on the receiver. It also includes highly accurate and the fast live traffic updates (every two minutes) from its High Density (HD) Traffic feature.

· iDatalink Maestro3(all models)

All NEX receiver models feature iDatalink Maestro connectivity to make integration with OEM (original equipment) systems convenient and unobtrusive. The feature enables consumers to retain many of the original features found or tied with the stock radio, including key services such as OnStar®, Sync®, uConnect®, SiriusXM, Bluetooth® and more. With iDatalink Maestro and the NEX receivers, users can access factory features directly from the built-in touchscreen display as well as the capability to project data information onto factory installed displays.

· MirrorLink(all models)

MirrorLink technology enables consumers to connect compatible smartphones to NEX receivers using Pioneer’s optional CD-MU200 USB cable ($35 SRP). Users can access certain music and map applications for a more convenient and safer in-car experience. Similar to AppRadio Mode, MirrorLink is now integrated into all five NEX receivers and offers a vehicle-specific interface and connectivity with MirrorLink certified devices from smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia and others.

· Expanded Bluetooth Capability(all models)

To maximize the connectivity options and call quality for hands-free communication and wireless audio streaming available in today’s most popular smartphones, each NEX receiver features Bluetooth AVRCP 1.4 to provide browsing capability of a user’s media library and HFP 1.6 with wideband audio for clearer overall sound quality, making it easier to recognize and understand voices during calls. In addition, the integrated Bluetooth features “Sound Retriever AIR,” which uses an advanced algorithm to extrapolate audio data left out during the compression or Bluetooth transmission process.

· Siri Eyes Free(all models)

Users of an iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s device can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free functionality with a touch of the display on NEX products. When activated, Siri voice prompts play through the vehicle’s speakers and the user’s questions and commands are received and transmitted using the external microphone provided with each Pioneer model. Siri Eyes Free provides access to many iPhone functions such as music selection, listening to and composing text messages, Maps, Calendar information, Reminders, and more.

· Pandora Station Creation(all models)

All NEX receivers enable users to create new Pandora stations quickly based on currently playing track, artist, or genre from a connected iPhone or compatible Android smartphone. Users can simply touch the “plus” icon on the receiver and the unit will display a pop-up menu to create a station dynamically using the artist name or track information.

· SiriusXM-Ready(all models)

For audio-entertainment enjoyment anytime, anywhere, all NEX receivers are SiriusXM-Ready for SiriusXM’s commercial-free music, premier sports and live events, comedy, news, exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM programming is received through the SiriusXM SXV200 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SXV200 tuner offers a simple, inexpensive solution for adding satellite radio. The NEX receivers will be the first SiriusXM-Ready in-vehicle receivers to display album art delivered via satellite from SiriusXM for the currently playing song.

· HD Radio Technology(all models except AVIC-5000NEX)

For high quality audio broadcasts, built-in HD Radio Technology provides clear digital reception of HD Radio broadcasts from radio stations around the country. In addition to great audio quality, additional information such as the artist and song title can be viewed on each model’s touchscreen display. Both systems also support the HD Radio Artist Experience® feature, which allows the user to view album art, station logos or other broadcast related graphics in addition to the displayed text information (when available).

· HDMI®Connection

The integrated HDMI port built into the AVH-4000NEX, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC-7000NEX and AVIC-8000NEX models can be used for smartphone connectivity.

· Aha™ Radio(all models)

As a dedicated source on NEX models, Aha seamlessly organizes and integrates the user’s favorite content (over 40,000 stations available) from the web like news, entertainment, weather, audiobooks, and even audio updates from Facebook® and Twitter®, between a compatible smartphone and the car, allowing easy access and audio playback.

Travis is a high school teacher and coach in a small South Texas town. His love for gadgets began at a very early age, and he has been a cross between a jock and a geek for most of his life. He has two boys and a wonderful wife who lets him be a gadget freak. He is a Mac convert and has drank the whole pitcher of kool-aid! He is also an avid guitar player and loves the outdoors, especially hunting with both a bow and rifle.